| Abstract [eng] |
This thesis describes a clinical case of ovarian torsion due to mature cystic teratoma in the postpartum period and presents a literature review of this pathology. A 28-year-old woman (who gave birth 3 months earlier) presented to emergency department of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos Obstetrics and Gynecology center with acute pain in her lower left quadrant of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and general weakness. Transvaginal ultrasound revealed non-homogenous cystic masses in both ovaries, enlargement of the left ovary and its impaired venous circulation. On suspicion of ovarian torsion, detorsion of the left ovary and removal of the ovarian tumors during emergency laparoscopic surgery were performed. The histopathological evaluation identified mature cystic teratoma. Mature cystic teratoma is a germ cell tumor that consists of well-differentiated tissues originating from three germ cell layers. Ovarian torsion is one of the most common complications of this neoplasm. Based on the selected criteria, 17 similar articles on ovarian torsion due to mature cystic teratoma were found in the “PubMed” database, and it was noted that this complication often occurs in pregnant women and during the postpartum period. The majority of mature cystic teratomas are asymptomatic or have mild non-specific symptoms, however, they might have acute complications, such as ovarian torsion or rupture. Moreover, even though this tumor is benign, there is still a risk of malignization. Mature cystic teratoma grows slowly, therefore there are two management options – surveillance or surgical removal of the tumor, however, in the case of ovarian torsion urgent surgical intervention is indicated. It is recommended to apply conservative methods of surgery – laparoscopic cystectomy for women of reproductive age to preserve their fertility. |
